The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) reminds Southeast landowners that signup for the Feral Swine Eradication and Control Pilot Program (FSCP) continues. It was developed to respond to the threat that feral swine pose to agriculture, native ecosystems, and human and animal health. The first round of pilot projects in the program are being offered in select counties in Alabama, Florida and Georgia. USDA is focusing efforts through this pilot program where feral swine pose the highest threat.
FSCP is implemented jointly by NRCS and USDA’s Animal and Plant Health and Inspection Service (APHIS). Pilot projects will consist of three components: 1) feral swine removal by APHIS, 2) restoration efforts supported by NRCS and 3) assistance to producers for feral swine control provided through partnership agreements with non-federal partners. Projects can last for one to three years.
This call for proposals is intended for non-federal partners to provide landowner assistance for on-farm trapping and provide related services as part of the pilot projects described above. Funding for these services will be provided through partnership agreements between partners and NRCS.
A total of 20 pilot projects across 10 states have already been identified as eligible for the first round of funding. Additional information about the pilot projects, including maps, project specifics, expected partner roles, and contacts for APHIS and NRCS at the state level, can be found on the NRCS website. All applications must be submitted electronically through grants.gov by Aug. 19, 2019. For more information, contact your local NRCS office.